For the first time, two American states have legalized the recreational use and sale of marijuana.

Voters in Colorado, Washington State and Oregon had the opportunity to make history by voting on initiatives that would legalize the recreational use and sale of marijuana in their respective states. Only residents of Oregon rejected the move. Massachusetts voters joined 17 states and the District of Columbia in electing to allow medical use of the drug.

But the victories could create a clash over states’ rights since the federal government continues to consider marijuana — even for medical use — an illegal substance, and the possession, sale or distribution of marijuana a crime. Anticipating a confrontation, Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper warned celebrants not to “break out the Cheetos or Goldfish too quickly” as his administration figures out how state residents can buy and sell marijuana without running afoul of federal laws.

Joking, however, does not seem likely to stand in the way of change. The initiatives represent an increased public push for legalization; a 2011 Gallup poll found that 50% of Americans are in favor of marijuana legalization, up from just 12% in 1969. Support for medical marijuana is even higher — despite controversy over how often recreational use masquerades as medical need — and consistently averages over 70%. Three states had ballot questions on medical use; Massachusetts voters approved it, while those in Arkansas rejected the measure. Montana, which already allows such use, tightened its regulations.

What would legalized recreational use mean? For one thing, Colorado and Washington don’t simply lessen the penalties for users from criminal charges to fines. The states do legalize and tax sales — a step that not even countries like the Netherlands, where wholesale selling and growing is illegal but small retail sales are tolerated in licensed “coffee shops,” have taken.

Washington’s law involves a licensing regime, to be handled by the state’s liquor control board, for growers and sellers. Initiative 502 bans sales to people under 21 and sets a 25% tax on both wholesale and retail sales, which will be used to fund drug prevention, schools and health insurance.

Unlike most prior initiatives, I-502 was widely supported by state officials and mainstream media, including the state Democratic Party and local newspapers. It sets a legal limit on THC blood levels for driving (THC is the active ingredient in cannabis). It also bans growing for personal, non-medical use.

Colorado’s new law is somewhat different: Amendment 64 allows personal possession and growing for one’s own use or to give away. Sales, however, will require a license from the state department of revenue and will be taxed to fund school construction, at a rate of up to 15%. The Colorado Legislative Council estimates that this could bring in between $4 million and $21 million annually, after accounting for initial costs of $1.3 million and $700,000 to fund the regulatory apparatus.

Both measures passed by comfortable margins — I-502 garnered an estimated 55% of support, and Amendment 64 earned 53% of the vote. Colorado’s enthusiasm is especially significant given that the state already has a medical-marijuana establishment, with 204 outlets in Denver — about three times its number of Starbucks and McDonald’s, combined.

The federal government, however, remains a cloud that hangs over the ballot victories. Since 2009, the Obama Administration has authorized at least 170 raids on dispensaries and issued more than 61 federal indictments, according to the Huffington Post. In justifying the actions, President Obama toldRolling Stone that “I can’t nullify congressional law. I can’t ask the Justice Department to say, ‘Ignore completely a federal law that’s on the books.’ What I can say is, ‘Use your prosecutorial discretion and properly prioritize your resources to go after things that are really doing folks damage.’ ”

The real question is how much damage legal marijuana sales could cause. Proponents argue that marijuana is less dangerous than alcohol or tobacco. Unlike alcohol, for example, marijuana does not often produce disinhibited behavior that triggers the risk of violence. And unlike tobacco, it does not appear to be linked with lung cancer or other common cancers; the largest and most careful studies simply have not yet found a connection, even in the heaviest smokers.

THC, however, is a mild hallucinogen that also has sedative properties. Cannabis intoxication does impair memory and cognition, and marijuana addiction, as with any drug, can lead to serious impairments in judgment and result in harm. But experts agree that marijuana addiction tends to be less severe than cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine or alcohol addiction.

Whether marijuana’s status as a legal or illegal drug influences how it is used remains unclear. Studies conducted in Holland, which has come the closest to full legalization of cannabis, and Portugal, which decriminalized possession of all drugs, so far do not show negative effects on either addiction rates or misuse by young people.

There is also the complicated relationship between the intensity of law enforcement and the rates of marijuana use and addiction, with no clear expectation that increased enforcement will lower use or related problems. As Dr. Evan Wood, a professor of medicine at the University of British Columbia and the founder of the International Centre for Science in Drug Policy, says, “No scientific evidence demonstrates an association between the amount of money governments spend on drug law enforcement and rates of drug use. And some nations like the U.S., which spend the most, have among the highest rates of drug use.”

One factor that does influence drug use is price, and legal marijuana would almost certainly be cheaper than that on the black market. A study conducted while California voters considered legalization suggested that the price would drop by 80%.

If that’s true, and use increases, the states that now have a mandate permitting marijuana use may face another concern to public safety. Some research suggests that marijuana use substitutes for drinking, which would lower driving risks. Others studies, however, find that it is simply added on top, which makes drunk driving more dangerous. But one risk is clearly reduced by legalization: the harms related to arrest and incarceration, which are disproportionately borne by minorities. The voters have spoken. Now they’re waiting for the federal government to respond.

Many thanks to rick Simpson my name is Miluta Maxim form United Kingdom my Address:18 Locksons Close, London, E14 6BH

on
believable I never knew cannabis oil was indeed wonderful and very
effective in the treatment of cancer “if not by the government and so
called rules to regulate cannabis for help my Husband to cure the Lung
cancer would still have been alive. Thanks to the new policy of
legalizing cannabis in my state and have even lost my Husband Lung
cancer, and it was really shocked and surprised when I see a lot of
documentary on how the cannabis oil had helped many people to whom His
family thought they never could do next undergoing several “Chemo” from
the department of my heart, and I have to say a word of appreciation to
Rick Simpson for timely intervention in the lives of my Husband
suffering from Lung cancer. As I write this testimony in this blog my
Husband is so strong and healthy even though you have not completed the
total dosage “for cannabis and medical consultation opportunity and get
in touch with him if you are a cancer patient through his email:
ricksimpsonphoenixtearsoil@

gmail.comto get this miraculous oil. So
far so good my Husband is responding to treatment of cannabis oil and
the health condition have improved drastically for good. Here is his
email: ricksimpsonphoenixtearsoil@gmail.com

A great testimony i must share to all cancer patient in the world i never believed that their could be any complete cure for lung cancer or any cancer,i saw people’s testimony on blog sites of how rick simpson cannabis oil brought them back to life again i had to try it too and you cant believe that in just few weeks i started using it all my pains stop gradually and i had to leave without drugs the doctor gave to,right now i can tell you that few months now i have nit had any pain and i have just went for text last week and the doctor confirmed that there is no trace of any cancer again,glory be to Jesus for leading me to this genuine Doctor called rick simpson i am so happy as i am sharing this testimony,my advice to you that is thinking that their is no cure for cancer,just contact and get the oil treatment from rick simpson try it and you will not regret it because it truly works and here is his email(rickhempoilsimpson@outlook.com)

Thank God Almighty that led me to Dr Peter who with his humanitarian heart helped my Daughter that had cancer of the breast with his Hemp Oil. I am so grateful that my 21 years old daughter is back alive and healthy and can do all the things she like without any hindrance in her life. Dr Peter, your medication is the only cure for cancer,tumor and from the bottom of my heart, I sincerely say you are the best and i will always give thanks to God for you to have long life so you can help many more people on earth with your medical service to humanity.with you i now believe that the hemp Oil is real and True,for all those who have problem relating to cancer and other diseases should contact Dr Peter on:ricksimpsonmedicalservices@gmail.com

thank to my friend that lead me to Rick who with his humanitarian heart help my Daughter that had cancer of the breast with his Hemp Oil, am so grateful that my 21 years old daughter is back alive and healthy and can do all this thing she like without any hindrance in his life. Rick Simpson, your medication is the only cure for cancer, tumor and from the bottom of my heart, I sincerely say you are the best and i will always give thanks to God for you to have long life so you can help many more people on earth with your medical service to humanity. with you i now believe that the Hemp Oil is real and True, for all those who have problem relating to cancer and other diseases should contact ricksimpsonphoenixtearsoil@gmail.com ,,,,ricksimpsonphoenixtearsoil@gmail.com

Thanks to the Doctor that help me solve all my Cancer problems, he help me with his Hemp Oil and brought back my life in order. The Cannabis Oil really does work and it is real great and i would say thanks to Dr. Bobby for being my life saver. Please for your health issues kindly contact the Doctor via email: rickhempoilsimpson@outlook.com.

he can help you solve any kind of problems, I assure you that you can count on Him for all Medical problems.

contact the Doctor via email: rickhempoilsimpson@outlook.com, If he was able to cure my cancer within 3 months with Rick Simpson Oil and his advise on my medical life, then he can help you at with your cancer problems within same period of time and could be your life physician, because he is currently my only trust and worthy physician, so i strongly recommend his knowledge in your health life.

When people come to me for oil to treat their cancer, the first thing I tell them to do is change their diets. Try to stay away from animal protein as much as possible, since such protein promotes cancer growth. Get a juicing machine and start eating as many raw fruits and vegetables as possible, since plant protein fights the growth of cancer. Stop using sugar and replace its use with natural sweetener’s like raw honey. Get the patient’s PH up as quickly as possible, cancer likes an acidic environment and when you raise the body’s PH it makes it hard for cancer cells to survive. Also start eating the seeds from two apples everyday, this will give you a good daily dose of B17 also known as laetrile. B17 in its own right has a pretty good track record in the treatment of cancer and there are other natural things such as wheat grass, that you may find of benefit as well. Many people who have used the oil to treat their cancers did not change a thing, but the oil still worked its magic and they were healed.

But if you have a serious condition like cancer I think its a good idea to take other natural things that may help the oil eradicate the cancer and give you a better chance to survive. We are willing and ready to help the patient with all the medical help that are available to see he/she is back to life healthy and free of all this terrible diseases.

You will need the full treatment of 60 gram to eradicate the cancer from body totally.

To secure an order for my medication, please go to our email rickcannabisoil@outlook.com for more news at

Thank God Almighty that lead me to Mr Rick who with his humanitarian heart help my wife that had cancer of the breast with his Hemp Oil, am so grateful that my 37 years old wife is back alive and healthy and can do all this thing she like without any hindrance in her life. Rick Simpson, your medication is the only cure for cancer, tumor and from the bottom of my heart, I sincerely say you are the best and i will always give thanks to God for you to have long life so you can help many more people on earth with your medical service to humanity. with you i now believe that the Hemp Oil is real and True, for all those who have problem relating to cancer and other diseases should contact{ricksimpsoncannabisoils@outlook.com}

I want to use thismedium to applause Rick Simpson for curing my Fiance cancer with hiscannabis oil, my fiance has been suffering from colorectal cancer forthe pass three years now, but ever since we started using the RickSimpson Cannabis oil for the past 3 months and instruction on how touse it, my fiance has fully recovered from her colorectal cancer. TheRick Simpson cannabis oil has proven a great success on cure forcancer with his cannabis oil and I give him a lot of credits, becausemy fiance cancer was cured within 4 months of successful treatment,am getting married to my fiance as her colorectal cancer has beentotally cured with Rick Simpson cannabis oil which wepurchase:rickcannabisoil02@gmail.com, It has been 4 months nowof the successful cure of my fiance colorectal cancer and ever sincemy fiance stop treatment and her health has been perfect andmarvelous. as I am writing this testimony to notify you that my fiancehas been completely cured of her cancer. any one out there who needhelp, please feel free to get in touch withRick at;rickcannabisoil02@gmail.com

I am Harriet Beecher, I live in San Francisco USA, I want to say a big thank you to Dr. Rick Simpson for saving my son’s life with his miracle oil on the 10th of January 2014 from his terrible brain tumor.

My son Ben was diagnosed of brain tumor last year October 5th 2013, the doctor told me there was nothing that could be done for my son and I was so scared to lose him because he is the only one I got, I lost his dad May 2011 and I was not ready to lose my only son. My co-worker told me about Dr. Rick Simpson cannabis oil and how it helped her dad so I collected his contact ricksimpsoncannabisoil_phoenix@outlook.com and wrote him, purchase the oil and used it on my son, last week we went for checkup and the doctor who told me that my son had few months to live confirmed that my son no longer has brain tumor.I am so over whelmed and full of joy, I feel like shouting to the whole world, I just got my joy back. Am so grateful Sir, thank you so much. God will bless you Sir.

Wow am so grateful for the good Rick Simpson ( ricksimpsoncannabisoil_phoenix@outlook.com ) did for me and my family for curing my husband’s prostate cancer of 3 years.

My name is Elizabeth Casson from north Carolina USA, June 2 2010 my husband was diagnosed of prostate cancer and he had done all sorts of treatments (chemo, radio and herbal) and his doctor still gave no hope for his condition, after his last chemo treatment on 09/28/2013 the doctor told him that he had 8 months to live. When I heard this I was disappointed, frustrated and full of pain that the one I love so much would leave me and my children all alone in this world.

One faithful day my uncle called and told me about Rick Simpson cannabis oil and how it cured his 48 years old neighbor so I became very interested in this cure, my uncle and I decided to do some research about the Rick Simpson cannabis oil and I found it very interesting, so I decided to purchase the oil. I called my uncle and asked him for Rick’s direct contact, so I could discuss with him.

I contacted Rick Simpson( ricksimpsoncannabisoil_phoenix@outlook.com ) he told me what to do to purchase the oil and how to use the oil I followed his instructions dutifully and now I can proudly say that my husband is cancer free, all thanks to Rick Simpson for restoring my lost hope.

IT STILL FEELS LIKE A DREAM TO ME, I STILL CAN'T BELIEVE I AM ALIVE, HEALTHY AND STRONG LIKE NEVER BEFORE. GOD IS REALLY GREAT.

AM LAURA MATTHEW BY NAME, I WAS DIAGNOSED OF BREAST CANCER THREE YEARS AGO WHEN I HAD MY LAST BABY.

MY WORLD CAME CRASHING DOWN WHEN MY DOCTOR TOLD ME THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE TO SAVE ME AFTER FIGHTING THIS DEADLY DISEASE WITH CHEMO AND RADIATION FOR TWO GOOD YEARS BUT I REFUSED TO SIT BACK AND WAIT UNTIL THE DAY IT FINALLY DECIDES TO TAKE MY LIFE SO I WENT IN SEARCH OF HELP WHICH I FOUND IN THE HANDS OF DOCTOR GEORGE THROUGH HIS CANNABIS TREATMENT.

I STILL WAKE UP EVERYDAY FEELING LIKE ITS ALL A BIG DREAM BUT ITS REALITY AND I OWE IT TO CONTACTHOSPITAL_EASTERN.GEORGE@YAHOO.COM FOR GIVING ME A SECOND CHANCE TO LIVE AGAIN.

HE GAVE MY LIFE A NEW MEANING AND AM ALIVE NOW ALL BECAUSE OF HIM, SIR GOD WILL CONTINUE TO BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY FOR YOUR GOOD WORK AND WORDS OF TRUTH. THANK YOU SIR.

IF YOU HAVE ANY ISSUE OF CANCER DON'T HESITATE TO CONTACT HIM WITH THIS EMAIL CONTACTHOSPITAL_EASTERN.GEORGE@YAHOO.COM IF HE CAN SAVE ME THEN WHY CAN'T HE SAVE YOU TOO.

Has the crime rate reduced since Colorado legalized marijuana? This should be investigated. I've heard that California is surviving a major economical crisis. 170 police raids in Colorado is way too much wasted money. Let's see what happens since it's too early to tell.

My Wife Stage IV breast cancer and MS has just been cured with the cannabis oil gotten from ricksimpsoncannabisoil@outlook.com, cannabis oil is great medication. To hell with the government and their insane policy, we have a medication that is hundred percent assured to cure cancer and you don't need to spend so much money on anymore on chemo, radiation or surgeries that wouldn’t work.Where to purchase, contact Rick: ricksimpsoncannabisoil@outlook.comMy family is now a brand new one, so stop your worries and go get your medication and set the family free of the deadly disease that hold no respect to family harmony.Make your health a better one by using cannabis oil in your everyday life.

Am Nichole from France and i wouldn't have believed that i would someday share my survival from cancer with anyone because cancer almost ended my life.

I bless that faithful day i went online in search of help and i found my helper Dr. George who helped me via his email to defeat cancer that had almost sucked life out of me with his cannabis oil which was as effective as he said it was.

I will also like to use this medium to appreciate Dr.George contacthospital_eastern.george@yahoo.com for his care, support and of course his cannabis oil because i would have been history if not for you My greatest hero Dr. George.

Am Antonio Benard i reside in Italy, my wife was suffering from breast cancer and the doctor told me that there was nothing that he could do to save my beloved wife. Then a friend told me about the Rick Simpson hemp oil that can cure cancer, i told him that my wife’s breast cancer was in the last stage that i don’t think the hemp oil would cure it and he persuaded me to try it, for the love of my wife, i decided to give it a try.I did some research and i found a doctor who helped me with the cannabis oil to cure my wife’s breast cancer and he assured me that after 4 months the cancer would be gone. thomasmedicalservice@gmail.comI bought it and she used it,it worked exactly as the doctor prescribed it. Thanks to doctor Thomas for taking away sorrow in my life. can you all imagine, that my wife have a 6 years old daughter and a 3 years old son, what would i have done.. God will bless Rick Simpson and Dr. Thomas for helping me with cannabis oil and for his support and care.contact: thomasmedicalservice@gmail.com what can i say unto my LORD, all i have to say is THANK YOU LORD.

I DON'T THINK I WOULD STILL BE ALIVE IF NOT FOR THE HELP OF DOCTOR BOBBY BAY FORD HEMP OIL!Mrs.Robert Patricia, FloridaI too would like to thank the founders of HEMP OIL like Rick Simpson and Bobby, as today I received my latest scan result which indicated that I was no longer a cancer patient. I am moving from Grass to Grace with the Help of Doctor Bobby Hemp Oil service that was provided for me here in the Florida.For all cancer patient, if you truly need help of getting the right Rick Simpson oil contact Dr. Bobby on: bayfordmedicalservice@outlook.comIt has been less worry for me today, when i saw my test result which state that my cancer was gone. God I appreciate you for helping me to believe in this medication of the Hemp oil. I have keep my strength and immunity strong as I face a nine years cancer battle, but today, I leave behind my past nine years of sorrows of cancer and am a new creature to face the promising feature.Rick Simpson, God will bless you and Above all Dr. Bobby God will replenish your strength and put the greatest smile on your family life. You shall never know lack, disappointment, worries, for what you did for me, God will never forsake you.For all cancer patient, if you truly need help of getting the right Rick Simpson oil contact Dr. Bobby on: bayfordmedicalservice@gmail.comMrs.Robert Patricia, Florida

The governement should not be allowed to say we cannot do something. Just like alcohol, tobacco, pills, etc......We have a choice.!!! Why isnt tobacco illegal or alcohol? Just like the two, we should have the right to make the decision. We only have one life to live so why should we let others tell us how to live it?

I am Mrs. Kate Hannish, i was diagnose with Cancer of the kidney and was told by my Doctor that the Virus was in the last stage.

My Doctor told me that i had few months to leave, but he said because of the love he had for me he told me about the Hemp Oil and said it is going to go a long was saving my life from this cancer and He introduce me to Doctor Nathan Kisper and said he would be able to get me the Hemp oil wherever i need it.

I contact him and he delivered the oil to me in Canada and after three Month of taking the Treatment there has been rapid improvement in my Cure and my Doctor said is no time the Cancer will be Gone. for all that has Cancer and don't no what to do about it. Kindly Contact Doctor Nathan Kisper: nathankispermedicalcare@gmail.com and see to your Healthy/Cancer Problems solved.

I am Carylon Bruly, from Ohio U.S.A who suffer from lungs cancer, basically a Death Sentence on my life and i thank you guys for your prayer and concern toward my life and i pray for God to be with you guys and thanks to the Doctor who God has sent to help me cure the terrible illness.

The thoughts of having lungs Cancer burns and itches simultaneously in my heart that i was dead alive. I heard that Hemp Oil could help, and for the price i was willing to try anything that would save my My Life, what I found out was astonishing! It was instantly getting better and better after 60 days of using and most of the virus are gone and just little medication left for me.

I am very grateful to Doctor Nathan Kisper for Selling the Hemp Oil for me and his Medical Advises, for all those that have problems with Cancer Please Please Kindly let the Doctor Know, he will help you with all you need to cure your cancer, he is trust wealthy and sincere.

Legalization of marijuana in Colorado
and Washington
is quite a serious step. Once it has been legalized in a few American states,
the likelihood of further legalization in other states rises significantly.
This article does present some valid arguments that justify marijuana
legalization. Another article, which advocates marijuana legalization in a more
strong and confident way is “The End of Marijuana Prohobition” by Kasia Malinowska-Sempruch (http://www.project-syndicate.org/commentary/legalizing-marijuana-in-washington-and-colorado-by-kasia-malinowska-sempruch).
Malinowska-Sempruch presents other possible justifications for marijuana
legalization, such as economic benefits for the country’s budget, easier
conditions for people with marijuana addiction to seek treatment. She also includes
some facts from the history of marijuana legalization in Portugal, which
prove that marijuana legalization is not as dangerous, as it may seem at a
first sight. Despite the fact, that marijuana is a mild-drug and has some
advantages in comparison to legal drugs, such as alcohol and nicotine, its
effect on the person’s perception of reality, as well cognition and memory is
significantly worse than that of alcohol and nicotine. Even a cigarette of marijuana,
smoked instead of tobacco cigarette during break times at work or school, can slightly
impair the person’s behavior, as well as mental functioning. Are the benefits
for the government economy, easing of seeking treatment for addiction,
reduction of violence weigh more in terms of positive effects than the possible
negative outcomes? That is certainly something that the government should
consider seriously before passing a law like this.

people needs to legalize marijuana they cant play the card o if people stoned more car crashes if thats the case banned alcohol cause that is hell of alot worse for u and if the government tell you otherwise their full of crap alcohol kills more brain cells and ciggs kills you alot more weed is the safest drug and u legalize weed it will get rid of alot of problems alot of drug dealers and all of that shit and the jail cells will clear up like crazy and we would get ourselves out of debt so fast it aint even funny more people smokes weed then drinks and smoke ciggs.

With the release of more accurate studies, and the dismissal of old wives tales and urban myths, it's now becoming well known that forgetfulness is only associated with -initial- cannabis use, and even that is only short-term (the things that slip your mind just those first few days begin solidifying in your mind again properly, and the phenomenon itself subsides with appropriate and regular cannabis use, as the cannabinoids in cannabis begin to supplement and benefit your natural endocannabinoid system... it is just like virtually every medication and even many daily vitamins and supplements; there are initial side-effects as your body adjusts to the increase, or introduction, of a new chemical or chemicals... cannabis fortunately has fewer side effects than most medications, and it happens to be -less toxic- than many of the foods on grocery store shelves that are aimed at everyone from vulnerable children, to the elderly).

Anyone with potential medical ailments should google:

1) Granny Storm Crow's Medical List -

An enormous collection of literally thousands of positive medical studies on cannabis! She is a wonderful woman, and a sharply intelligent activist and teacher, who has spent many years of her time promoting the beneficial medicinal aspects of cannabis.

2) BadKittySmiles CannaPharm for Medical Grade Oil & Edible Recipes -

Tutorials for incredibly impressive and powerful medical grade oils with advanced bioavailability, that are easy enough for anyone to make, even if you only have few supplies, w/ recipes for medicated beef jerky, canna cheese cake, glowing hard candies, turkey dinners, meat pies, hash extracts and tinctures, and more! Revolutionary advice for extracting into oil, and for the decarboxylation/activation of cannabinoids. Besides effectively treating insomnia, anxiety, MS, Parkinson's, and other serious ailments, members of several forums and communities have posted journals leading to the COMPLETE remission of their own, and their loved ones cancers, using these techniques... look out for the Book!!! (Do a google image search for BadKittySmiles... you'll be drooling!)

"Medical benefits aside, most of the products we buy and the food on our local grocery store shelves, are MUCH more toxic than cannabis, and in much lower quantities... if we wanted to start eliminating things that 'tasted' or 'felt good', by using a 'rate of harm' system, then starting at the top we'd need to eliminate much of our cosmetics and make-up, our synthetic clothing, a good chunk of our technology, and about 90% of the food in the grocery stores, long before we'd reach cannabis on that list. "

"To be deprived of a non-lethal plant, that is less harmful than a can of soda pop, which (quite unlike the legal soda) has been proven time and time again to cure terminal and previously incurable illnesses, and to be deprived due entirely to prejudice and money for so long, while so many of our parents, our peers and our grandparents have suffered needlessly... that is criminal in and of itself. The prohibition of cannabis, has been a huge and deadly atrocity for medical patients and entire cultures and regions of people, an atrocity that has only benefited criminals and politicians, and that has hurt those who needed help the most. "

Why the federal government continues to ignore the empirical evidence before them while simultaneously holding a patent on marijuana Patent number 6630507 states unequivocally that "cannabinoids are useful in the prevention and treatment of a wide variety of diseases including auto-immune disorders, stroke, trauma, Parkinson's, Alzeheimer's and HIV dementia."The patent, awarded in 2003, is based on research done by the National Institute of Health, and is assigned to the US Dept. of Health and Human Services.http://www.examiner.com/article/a-safer-choice-marijuana-use-rises-prescription-use-declines

The bottom line is, it does not matter how each of us PERSONALLY feels about marijuana.

The only relevant conversation is whether or not adults over 21 should be able to have the choice between a frosty beer at Happy Hour or a bowl of Purple Haze in their homes.

Marijuana is never going to go away. It's been used for thousands of years by people across the planet. We can choose to control who buys it and tax it, or we can continue to let drug cartels handle the $400 billion a year business. Those are our choices.

“No scientific evidence demonstrates an association between the amount of money governments spend on drug law enforcement and rates of drug use. And some nations like the U.S., which spend the most, have among the highest rates of drug use.”

Isn't it kinda of funny that the money from taxing Mary Jane. Will pay for schools and health care. Looks like a conflict of interest. I remember the D.A.R.E program and learning to stay away from drugs and now when I go buy some it will pay for schooling. Anywhoo can't wait to go buy some weed to support schooling and providing health care. Michelle forced a decrease in school lunch calories. Bloomberg and his soft drinks, but now no prob smoking reefers!! Can I get a booh yeah!! Can't wait, can't wait, want wait!!!! Booh Yeah!

I think this is a step forward. After all, alcohol is legal and I don't see a huge difference. I know what I think should be illegal: Factory Farming. Just think how many of our problems would be solved with this one social change: global warming by reducing methane gas, use of hormones and antibiotics that is a number one culprit for our health, not to mention environmental impact of pesticides used for growing corn. It might even help world hunger; it takes a thousand times the resources to grow one pound of meat versus the same amount of grain. Yeah! I say legalize marijuana and illegalize factory farming.

This is NOT the first time states have legalized marijuana for personal use. This is a great example of a journalist not doing their job and checking facts. Marijuana was legal in Alaska for personal use up to an ounce for many years. I believe the law was changed in the 90's during the war on drugs. I hate smoking pot, but, I believe it should be legalized, period. I think most heavy pot smokers, like alcoholics, suffer from emotional arrested development, keep an adolescent arrogance about themselves, simply live in denial and in my experience seem to never really achieve much in their life. But, that's their choice, it's their life. Also, cannabis used as medicine makes sense.

Marijuana is a very healthy food if taken as an edible, not smoked. It is a gentle and safe way to handle pain. There is a great $2.99 e-book on medical marijuana: MARIJUANA - Guide to Buying, Growing, Harvesting, and Making Medical Marijuana Oil and Delicious Candies to Treat Pain and Ailments by Mary Bendis, Second Edition. This book has great recipes for easy marijuana oil, delicious Cannabis Chocolates, and tasty Dragon Teeth Mints.

Blood tests are performed on crash fatalities to determine use ofalcohol and other drugs. Marijuana metabolites are stored in fat cellsand you can test positive a month or more after your last smoke. Itdoes not determine whether or not marijuana was a cause of the crash.Anecdotalevidence says that Stoned drivers drive slower if at all(glued tocouch, delivery pizza). There are saliva tests in development but Ithink that regular road side sobriety tests should be sufficient. Afterall, there is no roadside test for the plethora of opiates that areprescribed daily.

Congratulations voters in Colorado your poor will be able to smoke dope but not find a job because they will not be able to pass the urinalysis. I for one would not want my coworkers in the petrochemical industry being stoned around me. Very few people can smoke marijuana and maintain normal life. More folks on welfare smoking dope and more kids dropping out.

The upcoming pot comedy film Gone to Pot launches its Kickstarter fundraise Friday, November 9 and is making plans to premiere their film in the now marijuana legal confines of Washington and Colorado. The possibility of outdoor screening venues where people can watch and toke, toke and watch... was just a dream until yesterday. Now, Gone to Pot will celebrate their premier and the new legalization law out in the open and with tens of thousands of fellow smokers, who were liberated with yesterday's voting results. Washington and Colorado are just the beginning of this 21st century prohibition being lifted and Gone to Pot will be there to celebrate with their fans with one of the funniest pot comedy films of all time.

This is a great step forward for human rights and hopefully will apply pressure to the Federal Government to stop pursuing an agenda that the people oppose and that is costing us all a huge amount of money.

They are perpetrating massive civil injustices on behalf of a few people who consider themselves our betters and are determined to force us to live according to their agenda.

Who is Maia Szalavitz? It is one thing to share your opinion about the legalization of marijuana. But, it is disgraceful to masquerade as a journalist and tell people that marijuana does not cause lung cancer, "And unlike tobacco, it does not appear to be linked with lung cancer or other common cancers: the largest and most careful studies simply have not yet found a connection, even in the heaviest smokers." This is misleading and simply not true. There have been no reputable clinical studies to date, and none that actually reflect the smoking habits of a marijuana user. The studies that have been performed are by organizations that have a legalization agenda. And will try to compare the effects of a chain tobacco user to that of a person who smokes one to two joints a month. Incidentally, these same organizations also state that the average marijuana user smokes only one to two joints a month. I hope people do there own research before making a decision that could impact their health.

"Colorado’s enthusiasm is especially significant given that the state already has a medical marijuana establishment with 204 outlets in Denver — about three times its number of Starbucks and McDonald’s, combined."

Big deal! There are over 500 bars in Denver. That's more than three times its number of Starbucks and McDonald’s, and all the dispensaries combined. The quote above is a scare tactic that simply did not phase voters.

"I can’t nullify congressional law." - It is actually kind of comical (but still scary) how the president sometimes thinks it is okay for him to overrule congress, and other times it isn't. As you'd imagine, it is highly correlated with their agreement. ;)

I've been both a stoner and an alcoholic during the course of my life. Without a doubt, alcohol caused waaaaay more damage. Legalizing and taxing it is the right thing to do, especially now when the U.S. needs to curb unneccesary spending. The failed Drug War is as good a place as any to start cutting costs, generating extra tax money and funneling it into things that are really going to improve our country's position like, oh, I don't know, EDUCATION MAYBE? As far as toking being an issue on the job, I don't see how there's a problem here: Employees aren't allowed to be drunk on the clock, so why would the situation be different with regards to pot?! Same with driving and operating heavy machinery/equipment. If you're stupid enough to show up drunk or stoned to work then yes, you deserve to get fired, but what you do with your time off the clock is your business, although I'm still against the harder drugs like crack, heroine, meth, etc.

And of course you can probably still be fired from your job if you are found to have THC in your system or not hired as almost all companies now require screening. Other issues to work through ... my Colorado friends are getting high as I write ha ha

And thus begins the crumbling of the whole lousy house of cards known as 'marijuana prohibition'.

One of these days it would be nice to have a grown up conversation about this 'non issue' at a National level.

(By non issue, I mean nothing else in our history has been so trumped up and cost so many 'regular people' their jobs and homes and lives... And for what? And 'why'?.. Simply because some other person didn't like it... No other scientific or rational reason.. Just that some other person doesn't like it.. Hardly worth destroying people over.)